San Diego Beaches (information) from Hotels in San Diego.com!

Located along the border fence separating California and the US from Mexico, Border field state park is as unique as its location. With the Tijuana estuary within its boundaries, Border field is one of the best birding areas in San Diego. Beach walkers and runners will also love the long stretch of white sand. If you are looking for a secluded beach spot this is as remote as you will get, and you just may see more border patrol agents here than actual visitors to the park and that is part of what awaits you here.

Long a local favorite, Imperial Beach (IB) is the most non-commercial and relatively untouched beach city in San Diego. Its homely feel makes it a great choice for those looking for a beach vacation without all of the hassle and crowds that accompany such a request. What you will find here is a long, white sand beach, plenty of local restaurants and a feel that you will not find at any other beach in San Diego…and the hotels are cheap here too!

Located across the street from Loews Coronado Bay resort and in between IB and Coronado is Silver Strand state park. A fantastic place to take the kids for a day at the beach, not only offers day-use facilities but also overnight camping (vehicle), reservations are recommended but you may get lucky and grab a reservation the day of arrival. Not more than a long parking lot, this beach is one of the best and should not be missed.

The jewel in the crown of San Diego beaches is without a doubt Coronado. With picturesque sunsets, the historic Hotel Del Coronado, a fabulous beach and a village that reminds most of home Coronado is the beach destination here in San Diego. The waves in the summer are gentle, the sun warm and the sand inviting. There is nothing like packing up for a day at the beach, heading off to the Hotel Del for lunch and then back to the sun and sand.

San Diego’s “alternative” beach is what keeps us real. Ocean Beach (OB) has, for years bucked the trends, the rapid buildup and the commercialization that has infected all of the other beach communities (The only Starbucks receintly opened!). Home to the OB pier, Hodad’s (best burgers in SD!), South Coast bar (great fish tacos) and Winston’s (live music) makes OB a destination in any vacation to San Diego. If you come to OB, check out Newport Ave, home to some great shopping, dining and people watching.

Mission beach is home to one of the two remaining wooden rollercoaster’s along the California coast. The Giant Dipper has, for generations thrilled young and old alike along side the Plunge, the indoor swimming pool and recreational complex along the shores of the pacific. While Mission Beach is lacking in hotel rooms (most are at Mission bay and Pacific beach) this seaside community is home to some of the best restaurants, the best local dining and the bars in the area. If you are looking to "hang with the locals" then this is your beach.

Bordering Mission beach to the north is Pacific beach. Pacific beach (PB) is more developed than its sister to the south, and offers some of the finest beach accommodations along the coast in San Diego. Grand and Garnet avenues are the two main streets here, and along with Mission blvd make this the epicenter of beach life in San Diego. Home to some of the finest restaurants, nightlife and crazy crowds, PB has to be experienced to be enjoyed. Of note is Sushi OTA, located far away from the beach but has the honor of being the best sushi in the city and Tower 23 for the best spot for a sunset drink or two.

Continuing up the coast from Pacific beach places you in La Jolla. The beach version of Beverly Hills is within striking distance of most of metro San Diego and offers great coastal walks, shopping like you have never experienced and dining at some of the cities best restaurants. La Jolla is home to a few great beaches. La Jolla shores is a great place to take the kids, with its rolling surf in the summertime and lifeguards make this as safe as any beach in the city. Just to the north is Torrey Pines state reserve and with a 20 minute walk north from Scripps pier you will find yourself removed from most of the chaos that affects all of the other beach communities. The Children’s pool just to the south of the village is a great place to stop and watch the seals that have taken up residence here.

The seaside village of Del Mar recalls the glory of days long past. Its small beaches, quiet atmosphere and lack of tourist crowds make it a great place to get away from it all. The village of Del Mar sits on some coastal bluffs and while not on the ocean like some other communities makes a great place to take in a sunset over the pacific. Del mar is also home to the Del mar race track, which during the height of the summer is home to one of the most sought-after sports, horse racing. I know of no better way to spend a long, lazy summer afternoon than watching the thoroughbreds run and take a chance with lady luck. Friday’s offers some live music and a great way to wind down your day here. Quiet and mellow are words that evoke thoughts of Del Mar, and should be on your list of places to visit.

The northern stop on your tour of coastal San Diego will be at Carlsbad state beach. Another beach that offers camping (and surfing lessons); Carlsbad is a peek into the surf cultural that is here in San Diego. Carlsbad state beach has both a day use fee and an overnight fee for those looking to camp along the coastal cliffs of southern California. If you are looking into camping here or at any California state beach reservations are strongly advised and can be made at ReserveAmerica.com. There is the possibility of acquiring a site the day of arrival through a lottery held at the ranger station. Please see or call the ranger station for more information. Staying close to Carlsbad also allows you to enjoy one of San Diego’s, and California’s favorite theme parks, Legoland. For young and old alike, Legoland offers fun for the whole family and is easily accessible from Carlsbad or any other of the north county beaches and villages.